Frequently Asked Questions

What is it like to plan my
wedding at Planterra?

Our goal is to make your planning process as easy and enjoyable as possible and to create your vision for your special day. For all of our clients, Planterra is the exclusive provider of catering, alcohol service, floral and décor, rental items, and valet service.

Each of our events is unique and custom, which is why we do not operate on a traditional package system but rather through sample budgets. Our event stylists will work with you to design a menu, bar, floral, décor, timeline, and layout that perfectly fit your unique tastes and needs. Although you may choose to source these services on your own, we are also delighted to coordinate additional services for your event such as entertainment, photography, and officiants.

What is included with the conservatory facility fee?

  • Up to 5 hours use of the Conservatory, Southeast Michigan’s most unique wedding venue

  • Up to 20 Dining Tables

  • 9 8′ Wooden Communal Tables

  • 8 Cocktail Tables

  • Access to the Conservatory and its distinctive architectural and botanical elements for photography up to 1 hour prior to event

  • Access to private green room up to 3 hours prior to event

  • Wi-Fi internet access

  • Onsite management staff for duration of event

  • Labor for event set-up and clean-up

 

*Events that go beyond 5 hours will incur an additional fee

If I have my reception in the conservatory, what is the fee for my ceremony?

The Conservatory rental and labor fee to hold a ceremony in conjunction with a reception is $1,250 from Friday through Sunday.

The ceremony fee includes:

  • Additional hour in the Conservatory for ceremony

  • Up to 180 classic wood, padded chairs

  • Use of Planterra PA system

  • Ceremony coordinator

  • 1 Hour ceremony rehearsal*

  • Ceremony set up and clean-up.

*Please note that due to other scheduled events, the ceremony rehearsal might not be the day before your wedding.

 

Is there a food and beverage minimum?

The food and beverage minimums vary depending on the night:

Friday – $20,000

Saturday – $25,000

Sunday – $15,000

 

Does the Conservatory host teen events?

The Conservatory does not host teen celebrations.

Exceptions to this policy include Shabbat dinners and Sunday brunches for bar/bat mitzvahs. 

Please contact us for more details.

Will the ceremony be too warm or cold?

The Conservatory is climate controlled in the cooler months and maintains pleasant temperatures throughout autumn, winter, and spring. In the summer, the Conservatory is well ventilated, however, due to inconsistencies in cooling, the Conservatory is not available for events in June, July, or August.

 

May I use my own caterer?

Planterra’s award-winning culinary team is the exclusive food service provider at the Conservatory.

Exceptions to this rule include wedding cakes, cupcakes, dessert tables, and late night snacks.

Is the Planterra floral department available for weddings and events not held at the conservatory?

Yes, our award-winning floral department is available to create floral and botanical displays for all special occasions. Please visit our floral design page for more information.

 

I would love for my dog to be my ring bearer. Do you allow pets?

Domesticated dogs and cats are permitted if part of a wedding ceremony or presentation. However, during the party or reception pets must be leashed or caged. The owner must attend to the pet. In the event that the pet damages or soils the facility or merchandise, the host will be responsible for the clean-up costs and/or repairs.

Is there a space for me to get ready?

Planterra has a VIP suite with a dressing area and private restroom to serve the couple during a wedding. This area also serves as a headquarters for corporate and non-profit staff during events and fundraisers.

 

Can I purchase special botanical gifts to give to my guests?

Yes. Planterra has a wide variety of potted botanicals, orchids, and blooming plants as well as decorative containers that can be packaged as special take-away gifts from your event.

Do you have special rates for non-profit organizations?

Planterra Corporation budgets a limited number of donations and reduced rates for charitable 501c3 non-profit organizations annually. Organizations requesting consideration are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

A copy of the organization’s IRS determination letter and formal request from the head of the organization on letterhead is required for consideration. For your convenience, our donation form is located here on our corporate site.

How do I apply for a Marriage License?

 

If you live in the state

If you are a Michigan resident, you will apply for your marriage license through the county in which you live.

 

If you live outside the state

If you do not reside in Michigan, you will apply for your marriage license through the Oakland County Clerk’s office.

You can reach the Oakland County Clerk’s office at 248-254-4760.

 

What do I put on my invitation for Meal Selection?

If you are offering a single or duet entrée, most of our couples include some variation of the below on the RSVP Card.

Please let us know of any special dietary considerations.

If you are offering multiple entrées, you must list the meal options per guest on the RSVP Card.

Guest 1: Chicken | Fish | Vegetarian

Guest 2: Chicken | Fish | Vegetarian

 

What do I put on my invitation if my ceremony is held offsite?

Please do not put “Reception to Follow” or simply “Reception Location.”

Your guests will assume they may come straight to Planterra from the ceremony site, and that may not necessarily be the case.

Instead, use “Reception to begin at 6:30 PM” or “Cocktail Hour at 6:30 PM.”

 

Do I need place cards?

If you are offering a single or duet entrée, and you are not doing any communal/long tables, you may choose to do place cards per couple or a decorative seating chart.

If you are offering multiple entrees and/or have a layout with communal/long tables then you must have a place card per person at the dining table. In addition to the place card at the table you will need escort cards per couple or a decorative seating chart to direct guests to their tables.

When do I drop off my personal items?

Personal items may be dropped off 1 day prior to your wedding. Items of high value such as wedding dresses and jewelry may not be dropped off prior to your event. No items which require refrigeration may be dropped off in advance of the event.

 

May we leave personal vehicles overnight?

Our lot is closed and locked after event hours and does not reopen until business hours the next day. Any personal vehicles left on premise after the event concludes will not be accessible and may not be retrieved until the lot is reopened.